His first public appearance at the age of seventeen was well received, and he decided to go to Copenhagen to continue his studies.

In 1842, Gurlitt moved to Hørsholm, where he resided as an organist and a music teacher for four years.

He then moved to Leipzig, Germany, where Gade was the musical director for the Gewandhaus concerts.

Cornelius Gurlitt's abilities as a musician were quickly recognized in Rome, and the papal Accademia di Santa Cecilia nominated him an honorary member, and later graduated him as a Professor of Music in 1855.

His output was prodigious in quantity and breadth, ranging from songs and teaching pieces to operas, cantatas, and symphonies.